From the tiny fishing village of Punta Rucia, take a speedboat or catamaran through the mangrove forests and across the sea to spend the day sunbathing on the sparkling white sand of Cayo Arena, or enjoy swimming, snorkeling, or scuba diving in the shallow turquoise waters offshore. Full day tours depart from the Puerto Plata area and typically include transfers, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. Alternatively, visit as part of a multi-day tour around the Dominican Republic.
Cayo Arenas is on the northwest end of the Dominican Republic, off the coast of Puerto Plata, and is only reachable by boat. The closest mainland town is Punta Rucia; from there, Cayo Arena is about 45 minutes away by speedboat.
The dry months of December to February are the most popular times for visiting this area. While it’s possible to visit year-round, rough weather during the hurricane season (August to November) can cause boat trips and excursions to be canceled.
With shallow waters of around 16 feet (5 meters), Cayo Arena is ideal for beginner scuba divers, who can expect to see plenty of coral and schools of tropical fish, like angel fish, yellowtail snapper, and sergeant major. More advanced divers can head to Melissa Insight, which includes a steep wall section, and Cabeza de Cayo, known for its currents and larger marine creatures.